Getting help from the Senior Executive Programme

Client organisations such as Charities or Community Groups looking for business or professional assistance from the Senior Executive Programme are invited to complete a "Request for Assistance" form (Click here to download form). In this they are asked to describe the area in which assistance is being sought in as much detail as possible. The form also sets out the terms under which the Senior Executive Programme operates and once signed on behalf of the client and passed to the local co-ordinator it becomes the basis of a contract. Senior Executive Programme volunteers provide support and advice as individuals and are not substitutes for paid staff or consultants.

On receipt of a Request for Assistance form the local co-ordinator generally sets up a meeting with the client organisation to discuss the project in detail. The co-ordinator will then try to match the client’s requirements with a volunteer having appropriate skills and experience. It must be stressed that not all requirements can be met immediately in which case the co-ordinator will inform the client accordingly.

The nature of assignments undertaken by Senior Executive Programme can be varied and include short-term, one-off projects to open ended involvements lasting in some cases for several years. It is up to individual volunteers to accept or decline assignments as offered. The local co-ordinator remains available as a contact to provide support throughout the duration of the project.

Small Businesses including Social Enterprises can also receive assistance from Senior Executive Programme volunteers if arranged through organisations such as Business Mentoring Scotland or the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust.